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Buck & Co Jewellers,
Goldsmiths & Diamond Mounters
Crafted with Excellence
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March Birthstone:
Aquamarine
It is time to celebrate the birthstone of the month, which for March is the fabulous aquamarine. This beautiful sky blue to sea green gemstone bears a name deriving from the Latin for water 'aqua' and for sea, 'marina'. Legend has it that this beautiful stone is the treasure of mermaids, and it was traditionally carried by sailors to keep them safe at sea.
Aquamarine is a variety of the gemstone Beryl, which also includes emeralds, and the less well known pink gemstone morganite, and the yellow gemstone heliodor. It grows in prismatic crystals, and can grow to large sizes. It occurs in many locations across the world including Brazil, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and the USA. Brazil has long been known as the world's top source for aquamarine, including the world's largest specimens such as the Dom Pedro aquamarine. Mined in 1980, at 10363.00 ct it is the world's largest cut aquamarine. Cut into a 'fantasy' cut featuring curved facets and grooves, it took six months of hand cutting by the gem cutter Bernd Munsteiner to create the magnificent obelisk that can now be seen in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Aquamarine is well suited to use in jewellery as it is a durable stone. Care is needed when working with these gemstones in the jewellery workshop however, as heat can cause them to discolour. It is recommended to care for these pieces gently, washing in a warm soapy water, without the use of abrasive chemicals that may damage the stone. Protect these fabulous stones from sharp knocks as they can fracture.
Pictured is a beautiful oval aquamarine and 9ct gold pendant, a recent commission for clients of Buck & Co in celebration of a very special March birthday! The aquamarine was selected by our clients from a selection sourced by our Gemmologist, and it was then crafted into this beautiful pendant by our in-house Goldsmith.
Prismatic crystals of Beryl, variety Aquamarine, on a matrix of Muscovite.
Aquamarine and 9ct gold commission piece for clients of Buck & Co, Bodmin.
The Dom Pedro fantasy cut aquamarine, as displayed in the Smithsonian Natural Museum of Natural History (picture credit https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Pedro_aquamarine).
Latest News:
February has passed in a blur here at Buck & Co, and it seems fitting on the last day of the month to share a spectacular commission piece which has recently left us for its new home.
Our client came in with some mixed gold and diamond jewellery and requested that we remodel it into a bespoke diamond ring for her, featuring her three large central diamonds as a focal point, accented by smaller diamonds either side.
After going through the design process with our client, our Goldsmith melted down her gold and set about handcrafting the shank of the ring. This yellow gold ring features a heavyweight shank designed to support the substantial amount of diamonds featured in this piece. Each diamond was checked carefully for fit and position before mounting.
For the finishing touch, the ring was hallmarked at Birmingham Assay Office and on its return went straight onto the hand of our lovely client!
Buck & Co Jewellers is a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience in the jewellery industry. We offer a wide range of services including bespoke designs, repairs and insurance valuations. We are a husband and wife team consisting of a qualified and experienced Jeweller, Diamond Mounter, Gold and Silversmith, and a certified Gemmologist. We take pride in crafting each piece of jewellery with excellence, ensuring that it meets our high standards of quality.
At Buck & Co Jewellers, we offer a personalised service, where your work is carried out in our fully insured workshop located in The Market House Arcade in Bodmin, a Grade II listed building. We have options to suit all budgets and tastes, and offer free consultations to discuss your desired commission work.
